Committed to the Wairarapa

Wairarapa is a region of big skies, wide valleys and small towns, full of character. With three major forest parks and a wild stretch of coast it offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures.

It’s also one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations offering some of the country’s premium wines and everything from country cooking to fine cuisine in its many cafes, vineyards and restaurants. The Wairarapa is a true escape – all within an hour’s drive of Wellington, and is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.

Must see visits to the Wairarapa include:

The Tui Brewery – enjoy a Tui HQ tasting and tour experience.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre – you might see the rare white kiwi as well as other rare birds.

Masterton – art and culture at Aratoi, tranquility at Queen Elizabeth Park, fun for young children at the playground and displays on sheep farming at The Wool Shed. Visit the Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning or walk around Henley Lake and feed the many species of birdlife.

Riversdale and Castlepoint– the best swimming, surfing and fishing beaches on the coast.

Tararua Forest Park – an accessible wilderness close to Masterton.

Stonehenge Aotearoa– a full-scale working adaptation of England’s Stonehenge, near Carterton.

Vineyards – off SH2, there are rolling hills, lush valleys and many vineyards to visit, each with their own tasting rooms.

Greytown – a Victorian country village with metropolitan panache plus great food and coffee. Visit Cobblestones Museum and take a step back into Wairarapa’s pioneering past.

The world’s last remaining Fell engine – on display at the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston.